Was the Na’Vi-Virtus Pro player swap a hasty decision?

Natus Vincere is one of the biggest Dota 2 organizations with a massive fan following. After a dominant period in the initial years, Na’Vi has been unable to secure their place amongst the best teams in the world.

The CIS team has had a poor string of results lately. Without any notable tournament victories, they changed their roster a few weeks ago. The roster swap with Virtus Pro saw Lil move to Na’Vi while Rodjer joined Virtus Pro. The move was expected to benefit both the teams. Na’Vi were looking towards a rise in their performance, while internal conflicts on Virtus Pro had taken a toll on their performance.

The two teams have spent time together with their new players. Virtus Pro have managed to secure their place at TI8, Vancouver in the process. But Na’Vi’s performance has only deteriorated during their time together.

Lil is a great player, but Natus Vincere lack chemistry

Lil is an amazing support player. His individual movement and support to the cores of his team provide a lot of advantage. However, since he has joined Natus Vincere, the team has seemed very incoherent and disjointed. The initial days are expected to be difficult for the team, especially without any time together.

Lil statement while joining Na’Vi

It may sound a bit hypocritical, but back when I was starting my professional career, I really dreamed of playing under the NA’VI tag. It isn’t like I pursued this dream very persistently, but in this situation, such an opportunity is, perhaps, a blessing. I’m very thankful to the organization and the players for accepting me in. I will do my absolute best to meet the expectations that are put on me.

I would also like to cite a famous quote: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.

The individual skill on the roster remains high and we are seeing that from various plays in their recent tournaments. But when it comes to team fights and positioning the team seems extremely weak right now.

Speculations about a roster change

With their continuous spree of poor performances, speculations arose of a potential roster change for Na’Vi. The Na’Vi Dota 2 team is precariously positioned just at the edge of a potential invite. However, with multiple majors still scheduled in the Dota 2 Calendar, a lot can change in the next few months.

Natus Vincere needs to secure good finishes in the upcoming Majors. The DAC 2018 is an ongoing tournament, but there are still four Majors left in the run to TI8.

Was the player swap a hasty decision?

The Player swap happened just before the roster lock for the Dota Pro circuit. The Pro Circuit is the basis for the invitation to the International. The Internationals are undoubtedly the pinnacle of the Dota 2 esports calendar year. Each and every team wants to receive an invite to the International. The Dota 2 Internationals have huge prize pools each year. TI7 had a twenty-four million dollar prize pool. it is extremely lucrative for an organization if they are a participant at the International.

The roster lock deadline was February 5th, 2018. The two CIS organizations decided to swap their support players just four days before the roster lock. But with Na’Vi having poor performances, we are wondering if the decision was a hasty decision.

CEO confirms the roster will stay together

Amidst all these speculations, the team’s CEO had to come forth and issue a public statement. The statement which was posted on Social Media clarified that there will be no roster changes for Na’Vi. Instead, the team will be focussing on improving their results.

I apologize to the fans for waiting. I report that the composition remains unchanged. In a few days, the guys will gather at a bootcamp and we’ll solve our problems with work.

They will be at a Bootcamp preceding their participation at Starladder I League Season 5. The tournament is a Minor with only 300 DPC points on offer. But it is the first tournament that Na’Vi will play after their boot camp. The event will be the first real test for the new roster especially after weeks of Bootcamp and practice.

Na’Vi are at risk of losing their TI Invite

Right now Na’Vi is placed 8th in the Dota Pro Circuit leaderboards. If they manage to maintain their ranking, they will receive an invite to TI8 in Vancouver. But with several tournaments still on the horizon, their place is in danger.

The Bootcamp should ensure, if nothing else, that Na’Vi can place amongst the top three of another Major. It would give them the necessary Points required to maintain their rank. With the team facing a synergy and coordination issue, it seems like a solvable problem. Na’Vi has one of the biggest fan bases in all of esports. It would be great to see them rise again and witness Dendi on the stage in action.

Natus Vincere will next play at Starladder I-league Invitational Season 5 scheduled to start on 11th April, 2018.

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